Department of Transportation February 15, 2005 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A310 series airplanes. This proposed AD would require measuring the clearance between the compensator and the guide assembly of probe no. 1 on the outboard fuel tanks, and performing corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD is prompted by the results of fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. We are proposing this AD to prevent interference between the compensator and the guide assembly of probe no. 1, which could create an ignition source that could result in a fire or explosion.

RSPA requests comments on the economic impact of its regulations on small entities. As required by the Regulatory Flexibility Act and as published in DOT's Semi-Annual Regulatory Agenda, we are analyzing the rules applicable to general shipment and packaging requirements for shippers to identify requirements that may have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. We also request comments on ways to make these regulations easier to read and understand.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440) airplanes. This proposed AD would require installing additional shielding of the hydraulic lines in the wing box area. This proposed AD is prompted by the determination that the additional hydraulic line shields will protect the lines from possible impact by tire debris if the tire tread fails. We are proposing this AD to prevent damage to the hydraulic lines and subsequent leakage from the two hydraulic systems, which could result in loss of braking capability on the affected side of the airplane, asymmetrical braking, and reduced directional controlparticularly during a rejected takeoff.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Boeing Model 767 series airplanes. This proposed AD would require an inspection of each main tank fuel boost pump for the presence of a pump shaft flame arrestor, and if the flame arrestor is missing, replacement of that pump with a pump having a pump shaft flame arrestor. This proposed AD would also require repetitive measurements of the flame arrestor's position in the pump, and corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD is prompted by reports that certain fuel boost pumps may not have flame arrestors installed in the pump shaft. We have also received reports that the pin that holds the flame arrestor in place can break due to metal fatigue. We are proposing this AD to prevent the possible migration of a flame from a main tank fuel boost pump inlet to the vapor space of that fuel tank, and consequent ignition of fuel vapors, which could result in a fire or explosion should the pump inlets become uncovered.

The FAA proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 and -11F airplanes. The existing AD currently requires a one-time inspection to detect loose preload-indicating (PLI) washers or cracked or corroded nuts of the lower bolts of the inboard flap outboard hinge, and replacement with new parts if necessary. This proposed AD would require replacement with new, improved parts of the inboard flap, outboard hinge, forward attach bracket, and lower attach bolt assemblies. This proposed AD also would add certain other McDonnell Douglas transport category airplanes and require an inspection for certain parts, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD is prompted by a report indicating that the left-hand inboard flap outboard hinge pulled away from the wing structure. We are proposing this AD to prevent loose PLI washers or cracked or corroded nuts of the lower bolts of the inboard flap outboard hinge, which could result in separation of the inboard flap outboard hinge from the wing structure and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Boeing Model 727 airplanes equipped with an auxiliary fuel tank having a fuel pump installed. This proposed AD would require revising the airplane flight manual to include limitations on operating the fuel pumps for the auxiliary fuel tank. This proposed AD is prompted by a design review of the fuel pump installation, which revealed a potential unsafe condition related to the auxiliary fuel tank(s). We are proposing this AD to prevent dry operation of the fuel pumps for the auxiliary fuel tank, which could create a potential ignition source inside the auxiliary fuel tank that could result in a fire or explosion of the auxiliary fuel tank.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 767 series airplanes. This proposed AD would require replacing hinge assemblies with new hinge assemblies in the outboard overhead stowage bins and reworking hinge assemblies in the outboard overhead stowage bins that are adjacent to curtain tracks. This proposed AD is prompted by reports of hinge assemblies of outboard overhead stowage bins breaking or the stowage bin doors not latching properly. We are proposing this AD to prevent the outboard overhead stowage bins opening during flight and releasing baggage, and consequently cause passenger injury and blockage of the aisles during emergency egress.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 737-300, -400, -500, -600, -700, -700C, -800 and -900 series airplanes. This proposed AD would require installing an updated version of the operational program software (OPS) in the flight management computers (FMCs), and doing other specified actions. This proposed AD would also require reinstalling software, if necessary. This proposed AD is prompted by one operator reporting FMC map shifts on several Model 737-400 series airplanes with dual FMCs, using OPS version U10.4A. We are proposing this AD to prevent the FMC from displaying the incorrect actual navigation performance value to the flightcrew, which could prevent adequate alerting of a potential navigation error. This condition could result in a near miss with other airplanes or terrain, or collision if other warning systems also fail.

The FAA seeks public comments on a proposal to amend the regulations for issuing a standard airworthiness certificate to certain new aircraft manufactured in the United States. The proposal addresses a concern that under the current regulations, certain new aircraft are eligible for a standard airworthiness certificate without meeting the requirements of a type certificate and without having been manufactured under an FAA production approval. The intended effect of this proposal is to ensure that new aircraft manufactured in the United States that receive a standard airworthiness certificate are type certificated and manufactured under an FAA production approval. The FAA also proposes to incorporate requirements contained in laws recently passed by Congress. A holder of a type certificate or supplemental type certificate who allows another person to use the certificate would have to provide written permission to that person. In addition, any person who manufactures an aircraft, aircraft engine, or propeller based on a type certificate would have to either hold the type certificate or have a licensing agreement from the holder. The proposal would also prohibit a person from altering an aircraft based on a supplemental type certificate (STC) unless the owner or operator either holds the STC or has written permission from the holder. Additionally, it would require the owner or operator of an aircraft that has been altered based on written permission to use a supplemental type certificate to retain that permission and transfer it at the time the aircraft is sold.